Scientific Method Notes Scientific Method: A set of investigation procedures used to solve a problem 1.State the Problem 2.Gather information 3.Form a hypothesis (educated guess) 4.Test hypothesis in a controlled experiment. 5.Analyze data. 6.Draw conclusions: 7.Re-test if needed Only write red words in your notebook!

Parts of a Controlled Experiment: Variables: Factors in an experiment that can change. Independent Variable: the variable you change in the experiment. (Ex: exposure to caffeine solution) Dependent Variable: the variable that MAY change due to the independent variable (Ex: the water fleas submerged in caffeine solution had an increase in heart rate) Daphnia magna (common name "water fleas") are tiny freshwater crustaceans. They are filter feeders, and can survive in culture by eating algae, bacteria, or yeast.

  Control Group: group that is not changed in an experiment, kept the same for comparisons. (Ex: the water fleas that were not submerged in a caffeine solution)   Experimental Group: One group in an experiment that has had 1 variable changed (independent variable). (Ex: The water fleas that were exposed to a caffeine solution were the experimental group)   Constants: variables that are kept the same for both control and experimental groups

A nutritional supplement manufacturer conducted an experiment to determine how Creatine supplements affect muscle growth in body builders. The change in muscle mass over the course of the experiment was determined by using a special machine that distinguishes muscle mass from bone and fat mass by electrical conductance. One hundred body builders were divided into four equal groups, and their muscle mass was measured. All groups were given the same diet and the same strict workout schedule. Group 1 was given a placebo sugar pill for 4 weeks. Group 2 was given 5 grams of Creatine twice a day for 4 weeks. Group 3 was given 5 grams of Creatine four times a day for 4 weeks. Group 4 was given 5 grams of Creatine four times a day for the first two weeks and then 5 grams two times a day for the second two weeks. None of the body builders knew which group they belonged to, but the researchers conducting the experiment did. At the end of 4 weeks, the muscle mass of each body builder was measured again and compared to the initial measurement.

1.Which group was the control group? 2. What was the dependent variable? 3. What was the independent variable? 4. What were some of the constants? 5. What hypothesis might be stated before doing this experiment? 6. What type of graph would be best to use to illustrate the outcome?

Create a Scientific Method Foldable 1.Pick a unique and interesting foldable to depict the seven steps of the scientific method 2.Use colored paper 3.List step 4.Give explanation for each step 5.Paste into comp. book, page ____